Research Interests

Research Summary

Our laboratory is interested in how environmental or commensal organisms--bacteria with which we come into daily contact--can become pathogens capable of causing severe, life-threatening infections. To answer this question, we study the bacterial determinants that allow the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa to move between soil and water reservoirs to human patients, as well as the host immune responses that usually keep it in check. Recent projects also address strategies to discover new and re-purpose old antibiotics against this MDR pathogen.

We are also studying how the use of antibiotics alters the composition of the bacteria that reside in the human gut-- the "gastrointestinal microbiome"--and what consequences this has for an individual's ability to mount immune responses to vaccines and to infecting pathogens.

Extensive Research Description

Dr. Kazmierczak studies opportunistic pathogens, with a primary emphasis on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Her group is focused on understanding how microorganisms transition between commensal relationships with humans to causing disease. The following research projects are active in the laboratory.

Modal Title

{
"displayStyle": "video-modal"
}

{
"displayStyle": "video-gallery-modal"
}

How will my information be used?

When you express interest in a specific study, the information from your profile will be sent to the doctor conducting that study. If you're eligible to participate, you may be contacted by a nurse or study coordinator.

If you select a health category rather than a specific study, doctors who have active studies in that area may contact you to ask if you would like to participate.

In both cases, you will be contacted by the preferred method (email or phone) that you specified in your profile.